Use of a Proposed Test Procedure for Quantifying the Triboelectric Charging Propensity of Packaging Films

This investigation used a proposed test procedure to quantify the triboelectric charging tendencies of conductive, dissipative and insulative packaging films in rolling contact with cylinders made of quartz, brass, and Teflon®. The intent was to simulate the potential build up of static charge on electronic products packaged in these materials during handling or transportation Charging was accomplished by rolling the cylinders down a presenbed length of incline covered with these films.

The research found that there was no significant difference between the various film material classifications in their ability to limit triboelectric charging. There was however a significant difference between cylinder materials with Teflon acquiring the highest negative charge on all film materials. Cylinder weight was also found to be important as the heavier brass cylinder attained more charge on some film materials than a hollow brass cylinder the same size A greater angle of incline in general produced a greater charge on the cylinders for all film materials.